Two whg colleagues have been praised by police officers after coming to the aid of a missing elderly man.

Myton Thomas, a Neighbourhood Impact Officer, came across the man during an inspection of The Junction block of flats in Bilston Lane, Willenhall on Wednesday, 26th April.

The elderly man appeared confused and Myton discovered that the man had spent the night in the cold. Myton sat with the man before offering him a blanket from out of his van and a bottle of water and biscuits. Sensing that something wasn’t right, Myton contacted Ranjit Kaur, whg’s Assistant Manager (Neighbourhood Services), who was on the scene within minutes.

Ranjit then drove the man to the nearest police station in Willenhall where it was discovered that the man had been missing from a care home in Wolverhampton for the past 24 hours. It was also found that the man, who was aged in his 70s, had dementia and was without the proper medication he needed for diabetes and epilepsy.

Police then arranged for the man to be taken to hospital for further treatment before he returned to the home safely.

Myton, who has worked with whg since 2003, said: “The man was very confused and cold and when I asked him where he lived, he didn’t know. When the gentleman was in a distressed state, we were there to reassure him that he was safe and with good teamwork we got a positive result.

“It was quite emotional to deal with this but I was just doing my job and was happy to help.”

Ranjit, who has also worked with whg since 2003, added: “Many residents will see our neighbourhood impact officers or housing officers out and about on our estates but they probably wouldn’t know the lengths they go to make sure our communities are safe.

“Myton spotted this man in distress and did the right thing in the situation. I’m relieved that we were there to help out and that the man was able to return home safely.”

Gary Brookes, whg’s Director of Housing, said: “Our colleagues are known for going above and beyond to help others in the community and this is another great example of good team work. I want to say a big thank you to both Ranjit and Myton for going the extra mile to prevent what could have been a serious circumstance.”

PC Stu James, from Willenhall Police Station, said: “The man was in desperate need of his medication and didn’t know where he lived. As a result of the quick thinking of whg colleagues, the man is now back home safely.

“I would like to thank the whg colleagues involved and for their professionalism. They are a real credit to the organisation.”